Knee arthroscopy in childhood

This retrospective study analyzes the frequency and characteristics
of knee pathology in children in relation to establishing indications
of arthroscopy. Before establishing indications for knee arthroscopy,
it is mandatory to implement the algorithm of diagnostic and conservative
therapy procedures. Following the proposed algorithm, a greater reliability
of clinical diagnosis was achieved, unnecessary arthroscopies were
excluded, that is procedures where no intraarticular cause of complaints
had been found. In addition, arthroscopic procedures with no therapeutic
value for the observed changes, were also avoided. Arthroscopy before
conservative treatment is only justified in cases of acute indications.
Between August 1999 and January 2000, we performed arthroscopy in
60 children, 38 boys (63.33%) and 22 girls (36.66%). In preadolescents
aged 13 years or younger (X=11,71,5), arthroscopy was performed in
29 children (48.33%), 21 boys (72.41%) and 8 girls (27.58%). In adolescents
aged over 13 years (X=14,91,7), arthroscopy was performed in 31 children
(51.66%), 17 boys (54.83%) and 14 girls (45.16%). In age groups under
11 years, we observed the need to use a smaller arthroscope. Specific
diseases and injuries of the knee and certain technical details of
arthroscopy, were found to be characteristic of knee arthroscopy in
children.

Keywords:

Category: Clinical observations - professional paper

Volume: Vol. 45, No 1, january - march 2001

Authors: E. Irha, J. Vrdoljak

Reference work:

DOI:

About us

Journal PAEDIATRIA CROATICA is the official journal of the Croatian Pediatric Society and Croatian Society of School and University Medicine. The editor is Children's Hospital Zagreb. It is published four times per year by Children's University Hospital Zagreb, Klaićeva 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.Practicing pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, neonatologists, family physicians, and other health care professionals that have children in their care.